Aidan O'Rourke has sparked fresh controversy over the McKenna Cup

Queen's University boss Aidan O'Rourke claims players are being pressured into declaring for their county.

"If we are going to have seven, eight or nine of our best players missing for the McKenna Cup, it makes it a sham for everyone," said O'Rourke.

O'Rourke was speaking after his team's 1-17 to 1-11 Ryan Cup defeat by UUJ.

Universities have first pick on players but O'Rourke fears this will not stop a repeat of this year's McKenna Cup saga involving Tyrone.

The Red Hands were docked points from their win over Derry in the competition for fielding four college players, on whom the respective universities had first call.

Mickey Harte's team went on to win the cup but the Ulster Council decided to strip them of their title over the unauthorised use of two university players in the final against Donegal.

The Tyrone line-up included Cathal McCarron and Damien McCaul, who were not among the 15 on the teamsheet.

The Red Hands were handed back the trophy following a successful appeal to Croke Park.

"The noises we are getting from counties already is that they are emotionally blackmailing the players at this stage that the only show in town is inter-county football and any young player worth his salt wants to play for his county," O'Rourke told the Irish News.

"The games are a waste of time for county teams because they are going to beat us out the gate and we can't compete.

"So from our point of view the competition wouldn't be worth entering if that's the case."

Jordanstown manager Adrian McGuckin was much more releaxed about the issue and he believes it's up to the players to decide who they wish to represent.

"We'd be hoping that the players we have here now will be declaring themselves for the McKenna Cup and I suppose whatever happens after that we'll just have to wait and see," he said.

"We'll be leaving it up to the players after that."

A Miceal O'Rourke goal on 17 minutes put Queen's two points ahead at Casement Park but the teams went in level at the break.